Couple from Santa Fe, Texas Wants City to Ban Pit Bulls
Family Dogs Killed by Pit BullsSanta Fe, TX - The pit bull question continues to heat up in the State of Texas. More and more cities are wondering why as a municipal entity they do not have the right to regulate pit bulls as they see fit. Currently, Texas state law prohibits "breed-specific" regulation. This issue may be addressed in short order as officials in Austin determine whether or not to take up the debate. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has been asked to clarify this law. Many Texas cities are awaiting his response.
Beneath a stick marker and freshly tilled earth in Bert Roberts’ backyard rest two beloved family dogs. Both pets met their demise when a neighbor’s pit bull escaped its confines, their owners said. Distraught after 10 years of loving care for Prissy, a Chihuahua, and Lucky, a fox terrier, Bert Roberts approached Santa Fe Mayor Ralph Stenzel and city council members for help.
"We’re trying to have some ordinance in Santa Fe that prohibits pit bulls in the city limits," Roberts said. The city broached the idea before, City Manager Joe Dickson said, after consulting with the city’s attorney. State statute apparently prevents a breed-specific ban, Dickson said. A state legislator reportedly in November asked Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott to clarify the law, saying it needs further interpretation on whether the language prohibits municipalities from banning breeds.
Related Articles:12/18/08:
Texas Lawmakers May Tackle Breed-Specific Law Next Year08/20/08:
Dog Attacks, Trends and Dog Law Coverage of Texas
| 
